Yemen Monitor | Newsroom:
A high-seas hijacking of a fuel tanker off the coast of Yemen has reignited fears of a resurgence in Somali piracy, a threat that had largely remained dormant for years.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the vessel, identified as the M/T Eureka, was intercepted by armed groups while transiting Yemeni territorial waters. The tanker was subsequently diverted to the Somali coast, with Cairo confirming that eight Egyptian nationals are among the crew currently held captive.
The incident, which reportedly took place on May 2, was first brought to public attention by the families of the crew. Amira Abu Saada, the wife of Egyptian sailor Mohamed Radi, issued an urgent appeal via social media, stating that Somali pirates are demanding a ransom for the release of the vessel. She described the situation on board as increasingly dire.
The Yemeni Coast Guard had previously reported an attack in the waters off Shabwah Governorate in southeastern Yemen. According to official sources, the M/T Eureka is carrying approximately 2,800 tons of fuel. The 12-man crew is comprised of Egyptian and Indian sailors.
Piracy Returns to the Forefront
This hijacking marks a significant escalation in maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Aden. While regional waters have been plagued by geopolitical tensions and drone strikes in recent months, the return of traditional “ransom-style” piracy by Somali groups adds a complex new layer of risk for international shipping.
International maritime authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the vessel remains anchored in Somali waters. No official word has been released regarding the status of ransom negotiations or potential rescue operations.
